Kaley Cuoco almost wasn't cast in 'The Big Bang Theory,' plus more news

Kaley Cuoco almost wasn't cast in 'Big Bang Theory'

It's hard to imagine a "Big Bang Theory" with anyone other than Kaley Cuoco playing Penny. That's almost how the show initially aired, though. In an new interview with Cinema Blend, Kaley, who was 22 when the show premiered in 2007, revealed producers had someone older in mind after she auditioned. "I didn't get [the original role, when the character was set to be called Katie] the first time around," Kaley said (via JustJared). "I was too young, which I love saying because I don't get to say that I'm too young anymore. Then, a year later, I heard they were doing it again, and they brought me back in to read for Penny." The choice apparently worked out. Twelve years and umpteen Emmy, Critics Choice, Golden Globe and People's, Kids' and Teen Choice Awards later, Kaley's Penny is set to say "goodbye" after the show's finale on Thursday, May 16.

Travis Scott flirts with Kylie Jenner on Instagram amid rift rumors

Travis Scott seems to be doing everything he can to tell the world he's still all about his life and relationship with Kylie Jenner. Following rift rumors that hit the couple in February, when TMZ claimed had accused Travis of cheating, the "Astroworld" rapper has publicly shown his love for Kylie numerous times. The most recent happened on Tuesday, March 19, according to People. After Kylie posted a sexy photo of herself in a vaguely see through T-shirt dress, commentsbycelebs noticed Travis had weighed in with a heart-eye Emoji. The subtle gesture came on the heels of his March 13 appearance at a Houston Rockets game clad in a Kylie Jenner sweatshirt and a previous shoutout to his "wifey" during a performance at New York City's Madison Square Garden. The cheating accusation, by the way, was "strongly denied" by Travis' rep, while Kylie's spokesperson had no comment when contacted by People. "Travis' tour has been hard for Kylie. They spend very little time together," a source told the magazine recently. "When he's around, things are great with them. But when he tours, Kylie finds it hard to trust him."

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Are Evan Peters and Emma Roberts off again?

Have these two called it quits again? Multiple sources tell Us Weekly Emma Roberts and Evan Peters have called it quits again. "Emma and Evan were heading for a split and now are just friends," one insider said, adding that "Evan has moved out" and "it wasn't a bad breakup." The pair had been together since 2012 but broke up and reunited — and even got engaged — multiple times along the way. This time, Emma may have moved on with Garrett Hedlund, who was spotted with an "arm around" Emma before "holding hands" with the "Scream Queens" star recently, according to Us. "Garrett and Emma have been friends," said a source, "but this is new, casual, and just a couple of weeks old."

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Orlando Bloom puts his house on the market after getting engaged to Katy Perry

Goodbye, bachelor pad! Now that Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry are planning their wedding, Orlando is ready to ditch his home in the Beverly Hills section of Los Angeles — possibly because Katy has more than a few properties in town, according to Page Six. The minimalist Trousdale Estates abode is reportedly going for $8.999 million after Orlando bought it in 2017 from Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragonés for $7 mil. The pad reportedly features three guest rooms, two of which are en suite, a master suite that opens onto a dining deck and boasts a patio off the shower area. There's also a zero-edge swimming pool, a fire pit and a "dramatically lighted courtyard-sized backyard," according to the tab. It's unclear as of yet where the bride and groom-to-be plan to stay in the near future or when they'll tie the knot. The two got engaged on Valentine's Day.

Jennifer Hudson belts out an impromptu rendition of 'Memories' over dinner

Diners at Tao in Chicago over the weekend were treated to a rare, impromptu performance by Jennifer Hudson when a cake arrived at her table emblazoned with the words, "It's a wrap, Now Let's Celebrate, Grizabella!" The reference was from "Cats," which J. Hud had just completed filming along with Taylor Swift, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and James Corden. And because we imagine having golden pipes like Jennifer's leaves one unable to do anything but sing given the opportunity to celebrate, she did just that. A spy tells Page Six the Grammy-winning vocalist began "belting out 'Memories,'" from the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. She and her team were also overheard "recounting their favorite stories from the set," according to the tab. Jennifer plays Glamour Cat in the new film. It's due out in December.

Bethenny Frankel on 'RHOBH' and #PuppyGate: 'STOP'

Lest we forget that the "Real Housewives" of various cities are often watching the final versions of the show right along with — or after — the rest of us, Bethenny Frankel chimed in this week on the seemingly endless Puppygate situation that's taken over so much of the new season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." In a word, she doesn't get it. According to Hollywood Life, Bethenny got on Twitter shortly before the Tuesday, March 19, edition of "RHOBH" aired to ask fans what exactly the deal is with this whole dog issue. "I need everyone to tell me where they stand on #rhobh bc I think I may be seeing a different show than I heard about. I'm 4 episodes in. FOUR episodes about a #DOGBACLE," she tweeted, seemingly unaware that fans have been using the hashtag #PuppyGate for some time. "STOP talking about the dog," Bethenny continued as fans attempted to fill her in on what happened with said dog (who was adopted, given away, returned and it all got back to Lisa Vanderpump). Bethenny's take is as follows: "Dog didn't work out. Dog returned. That bummed Lisa V out. Who cares if some guy told Teddi 1 line about it in a text?" she asked. "I'm not seeing the big deal," she added. "Am I missing something?" We'll just sit here and count to 10 while we wait for Lisa, Teddi or Dorit to either fill Bethenny in — or start Housewives Twitter war du jour …

Connecticut declares March 19 'Meek Mill Day'

As Meek Mill continues his Motivation tour, cities across the country are praising his ongoing fight to reform the criminal justice system in America. The latest vote of confidence came from Hartford, Connecticut this week, where Rep. Brandon McGee gave the rapper a key to the state and proclaimed March 19 "Meek Mill Day" in Connecticut, according to Complex. Meek was involved in a drawn-out court battle for his own rights after a minor probation violation landed him behind bars at the behest of a judge who allegedly made bizarre demands on his career — and, subsequently, on his freedom. A slew of stars protested her decisions before he was finally released. In January, Meek teamed up with JAY-Z and other celebs to launch the REFORM Alliance with the goal of creating more just parole and probation policies. Connecticut's shout out to Meek was timely, too. The state recently passed legislation restoring voting rights to parole convicted felons. Houston and Meek's hometown of Philadelphia have also honored him on his tour stops.

Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry offer their condolences to New Zealand victims

Having recently visited New Zealand, Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry were the royal family's chosen representatives at the New Zealand House in London on Tuesday, March 19, where the country's High Commissioner and Deputy High Comissioner greeted dignitaries as they signed a book of condolences for the victims of Friday's terrorist attack in Christchurch. People reports the royal couple offered the New Zealand leaders hongi, or traditional nose rub, with Meghan wearing the gold stud earrings the country's Prime Minister gifted her during her visit. People notes the earrings are significant because "in Māori mythology the Miromiro feather was a magic token of devotion that would bring loved ones back to you." In addition to signing their first names in the book, Harry offered a "Arohanui," or "best wishes," while Meghan wrote, Our deepest condolences. We are with you." More than 50 people were killed and many more critically injured in the attack, in which a man sprayed bullets at worshippers at two mosques.

Keshia Knight Pulliam to retain primary custody of daughter as judge nixes Ed Hartwell's plea for another trial

Keshia Knight-Pulliam's ex, Ed Hartwell, won't be given another trial in his push for joint custody of the 2-year-old daughter he shares with the former "Cosby Show" star. That's according to The Blast, which reports a judge in Georgia has ruled the current custody situation is working as well as can be expected. It seems Ed pushed back on grounds the court "made mistakes" in its initial ruling. He also took issue with having been prevented from seeing Ella Grace a handful of times, including during Keshia's stint on "Celebrity Big Brother." Keshia and Ed's tumultuous marriage officially ended last year. They were only married for six months before they split in 2016. Keshia was awarded primary custody of Ella Grace in the divorce.

Lena Dunham opens up about dating after Jack Antonoff

"Can a good man mistreat you during sex if that's what you desire?" So asks a struggling Lena Dunham in a new essay for Vogue pegged to her coming to terms with being single again after splitting from Jack Antonoff more than a year ago. The in-depth piece delves into semi-graphic details about Lena's comfort levels around being with a new man (she does not use his real name) after finding she felt exceedingly lonely after Jack. "… During the brief spaces between rebound romances, I'd felt choppy and unrealized, like a vintage TV set without the sharpness adjusted.," she writes, adding that part of the confusion had to do with getting off prescription pills. Sharing that the "most unexpected benefit of sobriety has been knowing when it's time to leave the proverbial party," including in the realm of dating, Lena shares how what once seemed playful in bed now felt awkward and strange. "I ask for what I want. I listen to books and magazines that tell me 'taking control is sexy! It's what adult women do!'" she writes, "but, like a petulant Jewish mother would say to a daughter who married a goy, 'I shouldn't have to ask.'" She goes on to conclude that "the bigger issue is, I know what it's like to make a home with someone, and I loved it." Joking that the essay is her "first internet dating profile," she adds, "In a way it's a declaration of independence. In a way this is my battle cry. But maybe it's just a reminder that I am alive in this body that makes demands I can't always understand," before noting, "These days, I don't even try."